Melia Zanzibar ★★★★★

Zanzibar may boast the sweetest pineapple in the world, but its ‘bragging rights’ surely lay with its crowning glory, the Meliá Zanzibar. With 40 acres of breath taking grounds and pristine beaches, the five-star all-inclusive resort is a study in tranquillity nestled in the riches of the Spice Islands.

There is no denying that the Meliá Zanzibar is exceptional. Its minimalist approach to design gives a sense of limitless space. High ceilings, warm wood accents and punches of white make the resort feel contemporary yet always maintaining an eye for the traditional. The rooms, too, with views of tropical gardens or the ocean, offer a peaceful retreat. One can see the African and Arab influences in the architecture throughout the property as well on the private terrace made of beautifully carved wood where I sit and savour the view of the ocean peeking through the regal palms that sway in the breeze. The view draws me in, but I am also fully seduced by the impressively large room with its king size bed and air conditioning for those sultry days. The large bathroom is bright and airy and the open-air shower offers a rare additional treat. But then, pampering is what the Meliá does best.

The strong culture of hospitality that Zanzibar is known for is present throughout the resort. The helpful staff enlighten us on all the best activities within the property and beyond; there is never an urgent need to go far, however, with the wealth of activities and entertainment on offer in the resort! We head to Gabi beach, a stretch of pristine white sand hidden among the placid palms within the resorts grounds and easily reached by golf cart. The terrace here is where we listen to chill-out music and have a drink and some food before spending some time sunning ourselves or retreating to the shade of the Bali beds. When we’re feeling more active, we find ourselves busy with the many diversions the resort offers like tennis, beach volleyball and kayaking. There are even opportunities to learn kite surfing or diving if we want to return home with a new skill. In any case, we waste no moment in seeking out the myriad pleasures that can be found in this place.

A graceful pier extends out into the pristine Indian Ocean. At the end of it, we find the Jetty bar, the best place to feel the serenity that encompasses our stay. We stay for an aperitif before dinner. The drinks are excellent and the tapas style snacks are just enough to get our appetites in shape for a delicious dinner at the aptly named Spices. Swahili, Mediterranean, Indian and Asian influences mingle together to create a unique introduction to local and international cuisines. This is just the first of many memorable meals we have. With five restaurants and four bars on the property, it’s hard to choose among them, but luckily we don’t have to. With our all-inclusive package, we try them all.

A resort for the five senses, no stay at the Meliá would be complete without ample time spent in the Anantara Spa. Sanskrit for ‘without borders,’ the spa is aptly named. It is a place of limitless luxury where I take advantage of their fusion treatments in an atmosphere of utter serenity. Not only does it offer a selection of exclusive spa treatments with steam baths, but there is also a modern gymnasium complete with sauna. Temptation comes in the form of an outdoor infinity pool, which sits against the pale aqua water of the Indian Ocean so clear I can see the bottom. Its seductive view makes me feel at the edge of the world, and for a few short days I am.